Analysis: Netanyahu's Extremist Allies Pose Threat to Israel's Security

Richard J. Davis, the former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in the Carter administration and ex-assistant Watergate special prosecutor, shares his personal views in this commentary. For more opinions, visit CNN.

During his speech at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual Days of Remembrance ceremony at the Capitol, President Joe Biden strongly addressed the urgent need to combat the rise in antisemitism in the US. He also emphasized the importance of supporting Israel's security and remembering the brutality of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas.

"My dedication to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community, the protection of Israel, and its rightful existence as a sovereign Jewish nation is unwavering. This commitment remains strong, even in times of disagreement," he stated.

Richard J. Davis

Richard J. Davis

Courtesy Richard Davis

If we want to combat antisemitism, support Israel's long-term security, and remember the tragic events of the October 7 Hamas attack, we also need to address a significant flaw in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.

This flaw lies in his failure to grasp a fundamental principle for ensuring lasting security in any community: residents must feel invested in the society and able to reap its rewards. When people feel a sense of belonging and opportunity, they are more inclined to prioritize safety and stability. On the other hand, when individuals feel excluded and without prospects for success, they may resort to violence in pursuit of a place where they feel valued and engaged.

If Netanyahu understood this principle, his government would not include dangerous extremists and would not pursue policies involving the significant expansion of West Bank settlements and the recognition of illegal settlements which deny Palestinians hope for a better future. Efforts to support the long-term security of Israel, combat antisemitism, and address Gaza protests on campuses in the US and abroad have been made more difficult by the extremism of the Netanyahu government.

Netanyahu, an outspoken critic of the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords, has spent his years as prime minister promoting the expansion of settlements within the West Bank and making it clear that Palestinians have no hope of anything like their own state.

U.S. Democratic House Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) paid a visit to the student protest encampment at Columbia University in New York City on April 25, 2024. The visit took place amid ongoing protests related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. Democratic House Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) visits the student protest encampment as protests continue at Columbia University, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S., April 25, 2024. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

Caitlin Ochs/Reuters/File

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According to the New York Times, he even expressed support for Arab countries giving aid to Hamas to show that Israel had no one to negotiate with. However, in 2022, he took it a step further by including the most extreme anti-Palestinian figures in his government. This move clearly signaled to Palestinians that there is no chance for a brighter future under Israeli control.

Netanyahu has invited Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir to join his government. Smotrich has been appointed as the finance minister with the responsibility for West Bank settlements. However, during a debate on an immigration bill, he suggested that it was a mistake not to expel all Arabs from Israel in 1948. He has also stated that he does not believe in the existence of a Palestinian people, supports the incorporation of the entire West Bank into Israel, and favors the voluntary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.

Ben Gvir, who has been given a national security portfolio, has a controversial past. He has been convicted of inciting racism against Arabs and was allegedly a member of a terrorist group. Ben Gvir has openly praised the killing of Palestinians, publicly threatened Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin before his assassination in 1995, and argued that his right to travel in the West Bank is more important than the Palestinians' right to travel. Recently, he even questioned the Israeli Defense Forces about why they were capturing Palestinian prisoners instead of killing them, which would violate international law.

Smoke rises from the location where an Israeli airstrike hit the southern Lebanese village of Majdel Zoun on April 15, 2024. This incident occurred during the ongoing tensions across the border as Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continue to engage in fighting.

AFP/Getty Images

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After the October 7 terrorist attack, Netanyahu missed a chance to remove Smotrich and Ben Gvir from their positions. The opposition offered a unity government deal that included getting rid of them, but Netanyahu prioritized keeping his coalition intact and staying in power. As a result, these extremists still have a platform in his unity government. This has allowed their followers to carry out attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank and even on a Jordanian aid convoy.

A strong military response by Israel was necessary, given the circumstances. However, Hamas' decision to hide among civilians has put innocent lives at risk in Gaza. Unfortunately, the military actions taken by Netanyahu's government have resulted in a high number of civilian casualties, including aid workers, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Additionally, Israel has continued expanding settlements in the West Bank, sending a clear message that Palestinian lives are not valued by the current administration. This lack of concern for the well-being of Palestinians only serves to fuel resentment and create a new generation of terrorists. Despite efforts to weaken Hamas, acts of violence like the October 7 attack and the suffering of hostages go unnoticed.

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For those who support Israel and oppose antisemitism, whether on college campuses or elsewhere, what should they do? To maintain credibility, it is important not to shy away from valid criticisms of Israel. It is crucial to denounce the involvement of Smotrich and Ben Gvir in the Israeli government. Similar to the United States government, it is essential to communicate to Israel that there can be no more excuses. Israel must take action to streamline the process of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is also important to advocate for a change in military tactics to minimize civilian casualties. Despite the challenges, there needs to be a clear call to halt the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and work towards a two-state solution.

By overlooking the extremism of the Netanyahu government and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we are weakening the credibility of those who are trying to support Israel and combat antisemitism. The actions of Netanyahu's government have the potential to worsen the already dangerous levels of antisemitism. Unfortunately, many people are starting to question the legitimacy of Israel due to the actions of his government.

Editor's P/S:

The author's assertion that Netanyahu's leadership has exacerbated antisemitism and undermined efforts to support Israel's long-term security raises valid concerns. By failing to address the grievances and aspirations of Palestinians and including extremists in his government, Netanyahu has created an atmosphere of mistrust and resentment. This has provided fertile ground for antisemitism and weakened the credibility of those trying to support Israel. The international community must hold Netanyahu accountable for his actions and encourage him to prioritize the well-being of all citizens within Israel's borders, regardless of their religious affiliation or ethnicity.

Moreover, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent attention. Israel's continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank and its military actions in Gaza have created an untenable situation for Palestinians. The high number of civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure, and the lack of access to essential services have led to widespread suffering. It is imperative that Israel takes steps to minimize civilian casualties, provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Failure to do so will only further erode international support for Israel and embolden those who seek its destruction.